# Cosmos 1603
**Wikidata**: [Q12907444](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12907444)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-1603

## Summary
Cosmos 1603 is a Soviet signals intelligence satellite launched on September 28, 1984, as part of the Tselina-2 program. It was deployed using a Proton-K rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200, carrying the Blok DM-2 space tug.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: September 28, 1984
- **Launch Vehicle**: Proton-K
- **Launch Site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200
- **Space Tug**: Blok DM-2
- **Satellite Class**: Tselina-2
- **COSPAR ID**: 1984-106A
- **Wikidata ID**: Q6272367
- **Wolfram Language Entity Code**: Entity["Satellite", "15333"]
- **Wikipedia Availability**: Available in Macedonian, Serbo-Croatian, and Serbian

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Cosmos 1603?
A: Cosmos 1603 was a Soviet signals intelligence satellite designed to gather electronic intelligence data, as part of the Tselina-2 program.

### Q: Which rocket launched Cosmos 1603?
A: The satellite was launched using a Proton-K rocket from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200 on September 28, 1984.

### Q: What was the role of the Blok DM-2 in this mission?
A: The Blok DM-2 served as the space tug, responsible for deploying Cosmos 1603 into its operational orbit.

### Q: Is Cosmos 1603 still operational?
A: The source material does not provide information on the satellite's current operational status.

### Q: How does Cosmos 1603 relate to other Soviet satellites?
A: Cosmos 1603 is part of the Tselina-2 class of Soviet signals intelligence satellites, sharing similar design and mission objectives.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 1603 represents a key component of the Soviet Union's signals intelligence network during the Cold War. As part of the Tselina-2 program, it was designed to intercept and relay electronic communications, contributing to the Soviet military's strategic surveillance capabilities. Launched aboard a Proton-K rocket, the mission highlights the Soviet space program's advanced capabilities in deploying sophisticated intelligence-gathering satellites. The satellite's deployment underscores the era's geopolitical tensions and the strategic importance of space-based electronic intelligence.

## Notable For
- **Part of the Tselina-2 Program**: One of several satellites in a dedicated Soviet signals intelligence network.
- **Proton-K Launch**: Successfully deployed using a powerful Soviet carrier rocket.
- **Blok DM-2 Space Tug**: Utilized a specialized upper stage for orbital insertion.
- **Cold War Intelligence Role**: Played a role in Soviet electronic surveillance during the Cold War.
- **Baikonur Launch Site**: Launched from the historic Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200.

## Body
### Mission Overview
Cosmos 1603 was launched on September 28, 1984, as part of the Tselina-2 program, a Soviet initiative focused on electronic intelligence gathering. The satellite was deployed using a Proton-K rocket, a powerful carrier rocket developed by the Soviet space program.

### Launch Details
- **Launch Date**: September 28, 1984
- **Launch Time**: 14:00 UTC
- **Launch Site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200
- **Launch Vehicle**: Proton-K
- **Space Tug**: Blok DM-2

### Satellite Specifications
- **Class**: Tselina-2
- **COSPAR ID**: 1984-106A
- **Wikidata ID**: Q6272367
- **Wolfram Language Entity Code**: Entity["Satellite", "15333"]

### Historical Context
The Tselina-2 program was a critical part of the Soviet Union's electronic intelligence network, designed to intercept and relay communications signals. Cosmos 1603's launch was part of a broader effort to maintain Soviet dominance in space-based surveillance during the Cold War.

### Wikipedia Availability
The satellite has Wikipedia entries in Macedonian, Serbo-Croatian, and Serbian, indicating its historical significance in those regions.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report